Winter safety - snow and ice

How to clear snow around your home

The law doesn't stop you clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home or from public spaces. It's unlikely you'll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries on the path if you have cleared it carefully.

You can help your community in heavy snowfall by:

shovelling away the bulk

sweeping away the rest

salting to stop more ice building up.

Top tips

All you need is household table salt. One tablespoon will cover a square metre, so you can use it sparingly.

Don’t use water to clear away the snow. Even boiling water can re-freeze very quickly and leave an icy patch.

remove as much snow as possible from the bottom of your shoes as you are walking

grassed areas are usually less slippery.

If you feel that you are going to fall, try and fall on your side. Avoid falling on your knees, spine or trying to stop your fall by putting your arm out. You will injure yourself less if you can relax your muscles.

Driving safely when there's snow or ice

Drive with caution during freezing weather. We are not able to salt or clear all roads.

Don't use water to clear ice off car windscreens as the water can leave icy patches on the road.

Follow the Highway Code and always drive according to the weather conditions.

Be careful when getting in and out of vehicles. Use the vehicle as support when getting in and out.

Winter safety video - on the road

Christina Liassides, Head of Highways Operations for Brighton & Hove City Council, gives advice on how to stay safe on the roads during snowy and icy conditions.